Devine Scripture

Genesis 18:11

What does Genesis 18:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 18:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 18:11 means

This verse provides important background information, explaining why the promise of a son to Sarah was so remarkable. Abraham and Sarah were both advanced in years, making natural childbearing impossible. Specifically, it notes that Sarah had passed the age of menstruation and fertility. This detail is essential for understanding Sarah's reaction to the promise, highlighting the human impossibility of the situation and underscoring the supernatural nature of God's forthcoming act.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah was past the time for giving birth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Sarah is hearkening at the opening of the tent, which is behind him;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now they were both old, and far advanced in years, and it had ceased to be with Sara after the manner of women.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now Abraham and Sarah were old [and] advanced in age: it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

Context

This verse serves as an explanatory interjection, immediately following the divine promise to Sarah in verse 10. It provides the crucial biological context that makes Sarah's upcoming pregnancy a miracle. Understanding their advanced age is vital for interpreting her subsequent laughter and doubt, as it highlights the human impossibility of the promise without divine intervention.

v.10And he said, I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him.

v.11This passage

v.12And Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 1:36

    And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that was called barren.

  • Hebrews 11:11

    By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised:

  • Leviticus 15:19

    And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be in her impurity seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.

  • Romans 4:18

    Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall thy seed be.

  • Genesis 31:35

    And she said to her father, Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee; for the manner of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the teraphim.

  • Genesis 17:17

    Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?

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